Are innocent travelers at risk during police chases?
Seven people were recently injured, one seriously, during a police chase in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush area. Police report that a vehicle slammed into an unmarked police car on Farragut Road. The vehicle took off with police in pursuit. As the chase continued, the striking vehicle lost control and hit seven vehicles and one pedestrian. Witnesses report the suspect fled on foot after nearly crashing into a store front. Police apprehended the suspect and all seven injured accident victims were transported to Kings County Hospital Center. Fortunately, all of the accident victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Police Chases Can Endanger Innocents
This multiple vehicle accident calls into question the safety of innocent passengers and pedestrians caught in the midst of police chases. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reviewed the incidence of accidents occurring during police chases with alarming results. A study compiling data over a nine-year period found that police chases led to over 3,000 deaths. Of these fatalities, one-third of the individuals killed were not the suspect being chased, meaning that over 1,000 innocent victims were killed in police chases.
Police pursuits pose a threat to innocent travelers due to the often high speeds with which both officers and suspects are driving and the erratic nature of the vehicles. Many high-speed chases additionally occur at night and suspects will often lead police to busy roads in hopes of concealing themselves among the traffic.
Liability for injuries sustained by innocents during a police chase may vary. The circumstances surrounding the crash must be closely examined. In some instances, the suspect may be liable for the accident, while in others law enforcement officers could hold some degree of fault if they endangered the lives of innocents.
Anyone injured during a police chase should contact our New York City car accident attorney at the Law Office of Arthur O. Tisi as soon as possible. Experienced personal injury attorney Arthur O. Tisi will champion your case, fighting diligently for your full financial recovery.